Overview

What is Postpartum Support International (PSI)?

Postpartum Support International (PSI) was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman in Santa Barbara, California. The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum. Approximately 15% of all women will experience postpartum depression following the birth of a child. Up to 10% will experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. When the mental health of the mother is compromised, it affects the entire family.

PSI headquarters is located in Portland Oregon and has members all over the world, including volunteer coordinators in every one of the United States and in more than 36 other countries. PSI disseminates information and resources through its volunteer coordinators, website and annual conference. Its goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health.

What does PSI do?

Dedicated PSI members, leaders, and friends work tirelessly across all levels to meet goals of the shared PSI mission of support, education, advocacy, and research for people living with mental illness through various activities, including:

• www.postpartum.net – PSI’s website receives more than 100,000 visitors a year who seek PSI for support, education and local resource information.
• 800.944.4PPD (4773) – PSI’s toll-free Help Line, in English and Spanish, serves more than 600 callers a month, and rapidly refers callers to appropriate local resources including emergency services.
• PSI Newsletter – Available to PSI members around the world, this bulletin gives up-to-date information on worldwide news, conferences, resources, research and events.
• Area PSI Support Coordinators in all 50 U.S. states , Canada, and Mexico, and more than 40 other countries around the world. These support volunteers provide telephone and email support, information, and access to informed local resources.
• Online Support Groups in English and Spanish every week, led by trained PSI facilitators.
• Standardized Training and Education for hospitals, public health systems, clinical providers, support group leaders, social support volunteers, and others.
• PSI Educational DVDs for families and providers.
• Free Phone “Chat with the Experts” First Mondays for Dads and every Wednesday for Moms, facilitated by PSI Professionals.
• Resources for Women, Families, Students, and Professionals.
• Links to multi-language resources
• Membership Directory where you can update your own profile, and conduct a search for other PSI members by name, profession, location, or interest. JOIN PSI HERE